US Marine Corps forms second squadron of F-35C Lightning II fifth-generation fighters

The 311st Fighter/Attack Squadron has become the US Marine Corps' second F-35C Lightning II fighter squadron. The transition path to the F-35 began in mid-fall 2020.

Here's What We Know

The F-35Cs are replacing the Harrier aircraft, which have been excellent weapons and served the US Marine Corps well for many years. However, the time has come for pilots to move to newer and more modern fighters. Lt. Col. Michael P. Fisher, the squadron commander, made the announcement.

The F-35C Lightning II is one of three versions of the Lockheed Martin fifth-generation fighter. There are also variants of the F-35B with a short takeoff and a vertical landing, and the standard F-35A. The F-35C modification has a capability to be based on aircraft carriers' decks. For this purpose, the aircraft has an increased wingspan, which provides reduced take-off and landing speeds.

The deck fighter is equipped with folding wings for placement in aircraft carrier hangars. The F-35C has a reinforced nose landing gear design and features a braking hook to allow the aircraft to cling to the airframe cables during landing.

The fifth-generation fighter has the F135-PW-400 engine. It is a modification of the F-135-PW-100 used in the F-35A lightning II. Corrosion-resistant materials are used in the design of the propulsion system.

Source: US Marine Corps